Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist interest in Vitreoretinal Surgery

Job summary
We are seeking a Whole-Time Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialty interest in Vitreoretinal Surgery to join the Ophthalmology Department at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. This is a fixed term post for 12 months starting from December 2026.

This is a fixed-term locum post to cover a 12 month gap in the service, we are looking for a candidate who brings not only strong clinical and surgical expertise, but also enthusiasm, drive, and a commitment to collaborative working. The successful applicant will join a supportive, friendly, and highly motivated team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care. In addition to their subspecialty work, they would also be expected to work with the rest of the Department in managing the on call commitments and they would contribute to the delivery of cataract surgery, primarily based at the Northern General Eye Centre (NGEC).

We would welcome applications from candidates across the full spectrum of experience, from those who have recently completed training to those who have well-established careers.

Should any further vacancies arise shortlisted applicants will be considered.

Main duties of the job
The appointee will, together with consultant colleagues, be responsible for the provision of a comprehensive, effective and modern ophthalmology service, practicing the full remit of the specialty including a major contribution to the specialist Vitreoretinal service.

They will take their equal share in providing sub-specialty Vitreoretinal emergency cover and will be required to cover for colleagues during periods of absence. They will have continuing responsibility for patients in their care and the proper functioning of the Department.

They will be expected to take part in the support and training of junior Ophthalmologists and the development and training of medical students and ancillary allied professionals.

Appointments are made to the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the person appointed is required to be sufficiently flexible to undertake their main clinical duties at any of the sites within the Trust and/or to change their base hospital.

The successful candidate will work according to the terms and conditions of the national consultant contract.

About us
Located on rolling hills and dissected by river valleys, Sheffield is one of the greenest and most wooded cities in Europe. More than a third of the city lies inside the beautiful Peak District National Park, and it is virtually surrounded by open countryside. Its central location and excellent transport links also means it is less than two hours from most major metropolitan areas.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an award winning and internationally recognised team, with a focus on innovation, research and high quality care, as well as family friendly working, and we are keen to discuss with individuals about how we can support their ambitions.

Details
Salary: £113,565 to £150,569 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 190-STH-26-234
Closing date: 08 November 2026

Job responsibilities

• Please refer to the supporting job description and person specification which will outline the duties of the role including an indicative job plan.
• Applications from those unable, for personal reasons, to work on a whole time basis or a job share basis will be considered.

The successful candidate must be registered with the GMC with a valid licence to practice. For further information please visit the GMC website and click on the Registration and Licensing link.

Non-UK/EEA applicants should ensure they are aware of the recent changes to the Immigration rules. For further information on how this may affect your application visit the UK Government website.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust promotes Equality of opportunity and Diversity within the workplace.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered (or eligible to be registered) with the GMC with a licence to practice or eligible within 6 months of the date of the interview.
• FRCOphth or equivalent international ophthalmology qualification

Desirable

• MD or PhD or equivalent
• Further qualifications in research methods, teaching and/or management
• Name on the specialist register for relevant specialty or eligible within 6 months of the date of the interview. If an applicant is UK trained, they must also be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview.

Clinical experience
Essential

• Evidence of appropriate clinical experience suitable for the post. Ability to work as an independent practitioner.
• Completed a minimum of 12 months post-CCT Vitreoretinal fellowship in a recognised centre at the time of starting this post
• Evidence of competence in contemporary management strategies in VR surgery
• Personal log demonstrating competence in Vitreoretinal Services with audited outcomes
• Willingness to acquire/improve clinical skills and knowledge in Vitreoretinal sub specialty
• Evidence of competence in small incision day case cataract surgery

Research
Essential

• Ability to critically assess published research and incorporate it into clinical practice where appropriate
• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical and surgical problems

Desirable

• Publications in Peer reviewed journals

Teaching and training
Essential

• Experience of teaching student doctors and doctors in training at all levels
• To have ability to teach all groups of staff
• Evidence of past training and on-going CPD as an Educator.

Desirable

• Advanced Teaching Qualification

Continuous Professional Development
Essential

• Evidence of participation in CME/CPD in the last 12 months.

Desirable

• Maintenance of a CPD diary or portfolio

Management and Administration
Essential

• Evidence of the understanding of the systems and structures of NHS Management

Clinical governance and audit
Essential

• Experience in performing clinical audit

Desirable

• Completion and publication of a substantive audit project or service improvement project

Personal attributes
Essential

• Demonstrates behaviour consistent with PROUD values
• Good time management skills
• Ensures value for money is considered in all that they do
• Good oral and written communication skills
• The applicant must demonstrate skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking the English language that enables effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues as set out in the GMC' good medical practice (2013).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Rd, Sheffield, S10 2JF, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.sth.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Director, Mr Nachiketa Acharya, nachiketa.acharya@nhs.net, 01142261469

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